Shloka 12
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
सुखोषितास्तां रजनीं हृष्टा युद्धाय निर्ययु: । तेडपश्यन् विदहितं व्यूहं धर्मराजेन दुर्जयम्
sukhoṣitās tāṃ rajanīṃ hṛṣṭā yuddhāya niryayuḥ | te ’paśyan vihitaṃ vyūhaṃ dharmarājena durjayam ||
Sañjaya berkata: Setelah bermalam dengan selesa dan bangkit dengan hati yang girang, mereka pun mara keluar untuk berperang. Lalu mereka melihat susunan formasi tempur yang diatur oleh Dharmarāja—suatu barisan yang sukar ditundukkan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even within warfare, the verse highlights the ethical dimension of leadership: Dharmarāja’s formation is not merely tactical but symbolizes ordered, disciplined action under a ruler identified with dharma—suggesting that power and strategy gain legitimacy when aligned with righteous intent and restraint.
After a restful night, the warriors set out eagerly for combat. On the battlefield they encounter a carefully arranged and formidable vyūha set by Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira), indicating that the Pāṇḍava side has prepared a strong defensive/offensive order that will be difficult to break.